By Laura Mazur
Community Post
This is a big year for New Bremen.

Along with the town, St. Paul United Church of Christ also celebrates its 175th anniversary. The church celebrated with a service on Sunday, followed by a proclamation by the village and lunch and fun.
“There is a strong sense of history giving a foundation for what they are going to do tomorrow. This has served as a launchpad to the next 175 years,” said Interim Minister Leah Matthews.
The first public building in New Bremen was a schoolhouse that also served as the home of St. Paul Church. The church was originally led by Rev. Henze in 1833 and has kept on to the present day leadership of Matthews.
New Bremen Mayor Jeff Pape spoke during the late morning ceremony before a group picture of the congregation was taken, which also keeps historical note of the church’s faith outside under rainbow colored banners.
“It just shows the fortitude that they stayed together so long. They have a strong leadership along with the village,” said Pape. “There’s a pride they must have to keep with the same ideals as their forefathers had in 1833. There’s a pride to have kept going that long.”
Residents of New Bremen and those of neighboring towns make up the 800 members of the church’s congregation. Matthews said the most important aspects of the church that will keep members’ faith going is the outreach to the community, being generous and caring and willing to help others.
Matthews said, “The church is steadfast. It continues to be going on in programs as well as mission work and has a dynamic youth program.”